Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the costs of SBR Youth Camps?2. How do I register my child for camp?3. How much of the total cost needs to be paid to reserve a spot in camp for SBR Youth Camps?4. When is the final balance due?5. I forget my username and/or password for my online account. What should I do?6. I have registered, but it says that my child is only “Enrolled, Not Registered.” Why?7. How can I make an online payment for Registration or Canteen?8. Does my child have to be part of a church group to attend Silver Birch?9. What is Riding Adventure Camp?

1. When does my order ship? What is the process for giving my child spending money? 2. Can I add money to my child’s account while he/she is at camp?3. How much money should I give to my camper for his/her session at camp?4. What does the Canteen sell and what are the prices?

1. Is transportation to and from Silver Birch available?2. Does the bus make a stop on its travel to SBR?3. Where is the bus location?4. What if my high school age camper drives to camp?5. What are the Check-In and Check-Out procedures at camp?

1. How can I see what my son or daughter is doing while they are at camp?2. Why can’t I see my child in any photos?3. How does my son or daughter receive his/her medication during camp?4. What if my son or daughter has food allergies and needs a special diet?5. What activities will my child participate in while at camp?6. Where can I send mail to my camper? 7. What time is Check-In and Check-Out?8. What about electronics and phones?9. What if my child leaves some clothing or personal items at camp?10. What if I have to cancel my camper’s camp session?For any other additional information, see the other Important Documents

FAQ - Youth Camps

2. How do I register my child for camp?You can register your child in two ways. First, you can click on "Youth Camps" under the Summer dropdown menu. Then click the "Register Now" button listed under the pricing table. The second way is by clicking the "Register/Log In" button in the main menu and follow the instructions on the page.NOTE: Silver Birch Ranch uses an external registration software called Campwise. We do not manage their website or software. If you need assistance registering or logging back into your account, you may call the help desk at 866-433-4548 or Silver Birch Ranch at 715-484-2742.3. How much of the total cost needs to be paid to reserve a spot in camp for SBR Youth Camps?A $75 deposit is required to reserve a spot in camp. (Note: If the camper is attending camp with a church group that has given him/her an ID Code, the camp payment should be made to the church. Then only the Canteen payment will be made online at the SBR site.)

4. When is the final balance due?The final balance should be paid online (at silverbirchranch.org) 1 week in advance of the camp session. The balance (or partial payments) can be made online at any time prior to that time. (Note: If the camper is attending camp with a church group that has given him/her an ID Code, the camp payment should be made to the church. Then only the Canteen payment will be made online at the SBR site.)

5. I forget my username and/or password for my online account. What should I do?Go to silverbirchranch.org/register. Click the Returning Camper Login button. Then after going through the Browser Check, click the Forgot Username or Forgot Password button on the Login Screen and follow the prompts.

6. I have registered, but it says that my child is only “Enrolled, Not Registered.” Why?Either you have not paid the deposit or you have not completed a required Form (under Forms on the Registration Dashboard.)

7. How can I make an online payment for Registration or Canteen?Please reference the Detailed Payment Page for online payments.

8. Does my child have to be part of a church group to attend Silver Birch?No. Your child can attend alone or with a couple of friends. There are a few sessions that are only available through a particular church registration process, but our general camps (Junior-Middler 1 & 2, Junior High, High School, and Riding Adventure Camp) are attended by individuals, a few friends attending together, and some church groups ranging from 10-50 campers. Campers who attend by themselves are placed into cabins with other single campers or those who are just with one or two friends.

9. What is Riding Adventure Camp?Riding Adventure Camp is a part of the larger camp session during the dates listed, but is only for girls (who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grades). They stay in a separate cabin for RA, and they spend the morning at the barn with the horses for instruction and riding. They have their own Bible Time after lunch, and then participate the rest of the day with the rest of the campers. Both Riding Adventure #1 and Riding Adventure #2 sessions are the Beginner Horsemanship Level, providing two camp date options.

FAQ - Canteen (includes Snack Shop, Coffee Bar and Trading Post)

1. What is the process for giving my child spending money?You can set up your child’s Canteen account online at registration or any time thereafter. Go to your online account Dashboard, and click Make Payment under the Financial section.

2. Can I add money to my child’s account while he/she is at camp?Yes. You can add money throughout the week up until 24 hours before departure. Any unused money will be returned to the camper in cash on departure day.

3. How much money should I give to my camper for his/her session at camp?This is a personal preference but campers are given the opportunity to visit the Canteen two times each day typically (afternoon and evening). The Canteen has snacks, a “Coffee/Smoothie Bar,” and our Trading Post where clothing items and souvenirs can be purchased. See the Canteen Items document at silverbirchranch.org. Typically parents give campers between $20-$80 for their Canteen accounts.

4. What does the Canteen sell and what are the prices?The Canteen sells various items the range in prices. Click the button below to see the list of Canteen items.

FAQ - Dietary Needs

1. What if I have food allergies?Silver Birch Ranch does its best to fulfill the medical dietary needs of our guests. We typically are able to supplement for gluten-free and dairy-free allergies. However, if we are not notified at least 7 days prior to your arrival, we will not be able accommodate your needs. If you have other food allergies and want to know more about how camp can assist you with your dietary needs, or to let our kitchen staff know about your food allergies before you arrive, please contact Jake Scheich at foodservice@silverbirchranch.org or 715-484-2742 ext. 239. Click here for more information on our Dietary Needs Policy. In order for Silver Birch Ranch to accommodate for your dietary needs.

2. Does camp provide storage if I bring my own food?Yes, we provide a Specialty Kitchen only for those with specific dietary needs. The Specialty Kitchen has one refrigerator and a microwave. It is located in the foyer of the Dining Hall. If you have any special dietary needs and need to use the Specialty Kitchen, please contact Jake Scheich at foodservice@silverbirchranch.org or 715-484-2742 ext. 239 7 days prior to your arrival. Click here to learn more about our specialty kitchen.

3. What are the costs for Special Dietary meals?

The costs for special dietary meals are as follows.

During Summer:$17 for a 7 day camp$14 for a 6 day camp$11 for a 5 day camp

FAQ - Transportation & Check in/out

1. Is transportation to and from Silver Birch available?Silver Birch provides transportation in coach buses (and sometimes vans) from Redemption Bible Church, formerly known as Mt. Prospect Bible Church, IL, for an additional $70 round trip (or $35 one way). The Transportation option screen appears in the Registration process, or you can locate it under Optional Items and the Transport tab on the right hand side of the Registration account Dashboard. Campers must be registered for the bus (which will show on your online invoice statement) in advance to guarantee a seat.

Please review the bus/van rules before stepping on the bus/van from Redemption Bible Church.

The SBR Bus Check-In on departure day is 10:00 am and returns on the final camp day around 5 pm. Please park parking lot in the back of the church so there is plenty of space for the busses/vans and luggage vehicles to park. (Note: If you are attending SBR with a church group, they may have separate bus times and locations. See their literature for details.)

2. Does the bus make a stop on its travel to SBR?The bus stops for lunch at McDonald’s each way. For the ride to camp, the camper should have money on his/her person for lunch. McDonald’s money for the trip home can be set aside in the camper’s Canteen account (Optional Items on the Registration account Dashboard) to be given to the camper on the final day of camp.

3. Where is the bus location?The SBR bus to camp is located at Redemption Bible Church (formerly Known as Mt. Prospect Bible Church) 505 W. Golf Rd.-Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. (General directions can be downloaded here)

4. What if my high school age camper drives to camp?High school campers who drive to camp must turn in their keys upon arrival at Check-In. They will receive their keys back on departure day from Program staff.

5. What are the Check-In and Check-Out procedures at camp?

If you are providing your own transportation to camp, Check-In at camp is anytime from 2:00-4:30 pm.(Maps can be downloaded here)NOTE: Remember, your cabin assignments will be made prior to your arrival, based on your previous request online on the cabin mate screen, or a request of a church group or counselor. (You can look up your requests on your camper’s account on the right side of the Dashboard under Optional Items. You can make changes up to two weeks prior to camp.)

At CHECK-IN, you can expect the following:

1) You will be given your cabin assignment and directions to the cabin.2) We will collect the Camper Check-Out Form (which can be downloaded here) if the camper is being picked up by individuals at camp on the final camp day. (Print out and complete.)3) You will be directed to go into the Dining Hall for our Health Screening where you will then be asked to answer a few health-related questions.4) Next, if you have meds, you can then meet the nurse at Fix-It to drop off your meds.*5) Finally—you can head to your cabin, meet your counselor, and settle in.

Dinner at 6pm is the first scheduled activity.

*All medicines should be turned in to the nurse (prescription AND non-prescription, (except inhalers, bee sting medications, or other devices used for life-threatening situations) in original containers-STATE HEALTH CODE in a Ziplock bag with the meds labelled with the camper name. The medications should all be listed on the camper's online account on the Medical Tab.

At CHECK-OUT, you can expect the following:

You are welcome to join the campers at 10:15 am at the back of the Chapel for their final Chapel wrap-up session. Please park in the parking lot by the Dining Hall (overflow on the road.) After the Chapel session, please check-out with your camper at the Chapel through the side doors at 10:30 am.

Check out with a designated SBR staff member at the Chapel. Then retrieve campers’ luggage at their cabins.

FAQ - SBR Dress Standards

1. What is the dress code for camp?

Silver Birch Ranch desires to maintain an appropriate atmosphere at camp, so we have established a dress code for our staff, campers, retreaters, and guests that is both comfortable and modest. It has proven a very difficult task to define a dress code in absolute terms without creating loopholes and ambiguous guidelines. Our simple hope is to create an atmosphere of modesty and respect where people can be encouraged, yet not distracted. So please join us as we strive towards this goal with the following standards.

Both Males and Females

All clothing must be in acceptable repair and appearance (no rips or tears in questionable spots).

Clothing should not cause undue attention.

No attire with reference to any type of alcoholic beverage, illegal substance, lewd, vulgar, indecent or sexually suggestive subjects may be worn.

No wording on the back of pants or shorts.

Shorts must be modest length. No short shorts, split-sided jogging shorts, or spandex shorts will be permitted.

Clothing must not be so tight that it reveals undergarments.

There must be no skin showing between the top of pants and the bottom of shirts while standing.

Tank tops are permitted as long as they cover all parts and completely cover undergarments.

Leggings (Spandex/Lycra/yoga style) may only be worn under tops of appropriate length.

Items of clothing which expose bare midriffs, bare chests, undergarments, or that are transparent (see through) are prohibited.

Males

Shirts must be worn at all times except in the lake, shower or cabin.

If you choose to dress inappropriately, you will be asked to change. Please plan ahead and pack accordingly.

Swimming & Water Activities

Males: Swim trunks only. (No Speedos)

Females: Modest (no plunging necklines, low-cut backs, and/or high-cut leg openings) one-piece suits are recommended, however, two-piece tankinis are allowed as long as they are modestly cut and cover the midriff. Swim shorts over the swimsuits are highly encouraged.

Swimsuits that do not adequately cover the body are to be covered by a colored T-shirt.

All items should be labeled with the camper’s name for easy identification in the cabin and if lost.Campers should not bring the following: knives, weapons, electronic games of any kind, fireworks, tobacco, firearms, alcohol/drugs, or animals.

SBR staff reserve the right to search and seize campers’ items that are not allowed or are misused at camp.

FAQ - During Camp

1. How can I see what my son or daughter is doing while they are at camp?Photos may not be posted until after at least one full day at camp. You can also go to our Camper Photos page to view and download photos from the week.

2. Why can’t I see my child in any photos?We have one photographer who circulates around camp to various activities and events, with the aim of capturing as many campers as possible. Obviously, if some campers choose to avoid the camera, or just due to random photo opportunities, some campers may or may not be in any or many photos except cabin photos.

3. How does my son or daughter receive his/her medication during camp?SBR has a Health Care Supervisor onsite who administers the medication to campers and staff. Please list your child’s medication on the MEDICAL Tab under the Campers section on the left-hand side of the SBR online Registration account Dashboard screen. There you can list his/her Prescription meds and Over-the-Counter meds (that you give SBR permission to dispense as needed). You can amend this closer to camp time as needed. Medications in their original containers should be dropped off at the SBR bus/van, church bus, or at SBR Fix-It (Nurse) for car arrivals after Check-In in a ziplock bag with the camper’s name on the bag.

4. What if my son or daughter has food allergies and needs a special diet?We will attempt, to the best of our ability, to accommodate campers and staff (medical food-related allergies only) with gluten-free and dairy-free needs. Due to the costs, a fee will be charged ($11/5 day sessions, $14/6 day sessions and $17/7 day sessions) will be charged. Please make special arrangements 14 days prior to the camp session by contacting foodservice@silverbirchranch.org; 715-484-2742 ext. 239.

5. What activities will my child participate in while at camp?See the camp schedule for the particular session of camp at silverbirchranch.org. Campers will participate in Bible meetings in the morning and night with music and speakers, organized group games in the morning and evening, and free time options in the afternoon. Free time options may include the following: horseback riding, swimming, boating, rafting, water tubing or water-skiing, Climbing Wall, Leap of Faith, Zip Line, archery, paintball (older camps), crafts, BB guns, and more. All activities are offered at no additional cost except for crafts and a special raft trip for high school camp ($15). There are no advance signups needed for any activity prior to the camp session. Counselors help the campers sign up for specific activities when they are offered to their cabin.

6. Where can I send mail to my camper?All mail and packages (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) can be sent to us by following the address format below.

7. What time is Check-In and Check-Out?Check-In for those arriving at SBR by car is anytime between 2pm and 4:30pm at the Dining Hall porch. For any later arrivals, please make arrangements with Linda at 715-484-2742 ext. 230 in advance of the camp session. Cabin assignments are made prior to arrival to camp. The session program officially begins at dinner (6pm) on the first day of camp. Check-Out for those leaving SBR by car is at 10:30 at the Chapel. All campers (under high school age) who are not leaving with a church group or by SBR bus should turn in a Check-Out Form at Check-In. Find the Check-Out Form here. Be sure to check-out with the SBR staff on the porch.

8. What about electronics and phones?Campers should NOT bring CD/DVD players, iPods/iPads/MP3 players. Cell phones are discouraged and are only to be used in designated areas with a counselor present-and many will not have good reception. Texting is not allowed. Campers should not bring electronic games of any kind.

9. What if my child leaves some clothing or personal items at camp?Silver Birch Ranch is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. If after your child returns home from camp you find some articles missing, you can contact our Housekeeping Director, Casey Golema at Casimir.Golema@silverbirchranch.org in a descriptive email about those lost items. Missing items which we are able to find can be returned upon request for a postage and handling fee. We recommend that new or expensive clothing not be brought to camp.

10. What if I have to cancel my camper’s camp session?The $75 deposit paid at the time of registration is non-refundable. It is, however, transferable to a new camper (one not yet registered at the time of the camper’s cancellation) for Summer Youth Camps only if that transfer request is made by the cancelling party at the time of the cancellation thru email to linda.wager@silverbirchranch.org. Payments beyond the $75 deposit are refundable, and will be refunded to the credit card used for registration unless other requests are made.

FAQ - Payments

1. How do I make the final payment for my son or daughter's week at camp?Please make your final payment for your session online 1 week prior to arrival by logging into your online account. (Click here to access your online account.) Login with your Username and Password, and select your camper’s name from the Campers section on the Dashboard.Locate the Financial Section on the right hand side and click “Make Payment.” Click “Registration” for Registration Payments and “Canteen” for Canteen payments and follow the payment prompts.)(If you are part of a larger group with a Group ID code, you will be making your registration payment to your church as you have been instructed previously.)

2. How do I make payments to my son or daughter's Canteen account?Canteen (camp store) accounts should be set up online at least one week prior to arrival so that they are ready for use upon arrival. (Accounts set up with cash should be set up at Check-In.)(McDonald’s money must be pre-ordered by Check-In of the camper’s session.) Access to camper Canteen accounts will be available for parents to add money to online (until 24 hours before departure from camp).